Community
Indigenous languages and cultures need community. Lack of community for an indigenous person is often felt deeply because, culturally a tribe as a whole represents family. We see each other as relatives, no matter what our blood line is. In community we build strong social bonds and a shared identity. These support systems contribute to our resilience to face the many challenges put before us. For many of us who have been separated from our cultural community, the experience of gathering in the community will be life affirming. As we strengthen those connections, learn our language, practice our culture and get involved in our cultural activities, we experience a whole new sense of belonging.
Testimonials
Thank you for our native Language research!
I am Acjachemem and proud to say I carry the blood of my native ancestors. I am so grateful that I am now able to learn more of my native language. For far too long we were told to hide our ancestry due to negative reactions from non-native peoples. We were called the Juaneños, as native peoples belonging to the San Juan Capistrano Mission. For far too long we kept our heritage buried in our hearts and not able to come forth with pride of who we are. Learning my native language is a blessing and gives me special pride in my heritage. Thank you to those involved in pursuing our language and our culture to pass on to us. We are proud Acjachemen people and will continue to show we were not annihilated; we are alive and well. And now we are able to learn of our language and our culture without repercussions.
Rebecca Vallejo - Acjachemem Elder, Spiritual Peacemaker
Our language is so important for our survival!
“It is so important to receive our language online due to the fact that we are out of the area. Bringing language into my home helps me to teach my grandchildren our distant language. It has been many years since cultural classes ended at the Harrison House where meetings were conducted. It was very appreciated but to have the lessons on my computer and have immediate access is incredible and monumental work for our people. Thank you.”
Jacque Nunez - Acjachemem Elder, Award winning teacher and storyteller, Educator for 42 years
Foundation of our native culture!
Indigenous languages are the foundations of our native culture. Our stories, traditions and spiritual beliefs are deeply intertwined with the language itself. To have the language accessible online is a wonderful gift to those interested in learning. Oompolov for the decades of research and study to make this possible.
Rebecca Robles - Acjachemem Elder
Survival through Colonization
Sonia Carmen has gifted the Acjachemem Nation (Juaneno Band of Mission Indians) with our connection to our identity as a tribal people by compiling this distinctive language dictionary. It strongly identifies us as a separate nation from other California tribes. It is a testimonial to our ancestors who endured and survived through colonization and beyond.
Sharon R. (Cruz) Casioce, Tribal Member of Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemem Nation